Just in: Release Pres. Bazoum, return to barracks, AU orders Niger military junta

“Republic of Niger is now suspended from all its activities”, regretting the military coup on July 26, which has put the African country in crisis mode for weeks now”

The African Union (AU) has suspended Niger Republic from the union just as it called on the coup leaders to release President Mohamed Bazoum and return to their barracks.

The suspension comes after a military junta removed the democratically elected President of the country and have kept him in detention.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the AU noted that the “Republic of Niger is now suspended from all its activities”, regretting the military coup on July 26, which has put the African country in crisis mode for weeks now.

The AU reiterated calls for the coup leaders to release Bazoum and return to their barracks.

The AU Peace and Security Council has taken note of the West African bloc ECOWAS’ decision to activate a standby force for possible military intervention, and also asked the AU Commission to assess the economic, social, and security implications of deploying such a force.

Persecondnews recalls that the Economic Community of West African States had earlier said it is prepared to send troops into Niger if diplomatic efforts to restore democracy fail.

The AU called on all of its member- states and the international community to refrain from any action that could legitimize Niger’s junta, adding that it strongly rejects interference from any actor or country outside of Africa.